In honor of on of the Foods of the Month for May, how about picking up a bag of spinach the next time you visit the grocery store. Have you cooked with spinach before? If you aren’t the most creative chef in the kitchen, have no fear, we are here to provide you with some simple ideas for using your newly purchased bag of spinach. Pay attention to the expiration date as spinach is best within one week of purchase; so be sure to make your meal before it expires. Also remember to thoroughly wash all spinach before eating. Read on for healthy and delicious ways to use that bag of spinach in your fridge.
- Make a big salad – A great idea for a healthy lunch or dinner, spinach salads deliver lots of vitamins and minerals. Like any other salad, add your favorite toppings but remember to go easy on creamy dressings and fatty additions like cheeses and meats. Try an OWG favorite – add fresh or dried fruit, your favorite low-fat cheese, some nuts (we like the combination of dried cherries, goat cheese and almonds) and top with vinaigrette dressing.
- Add it to your homemade pizza – When you cook spinach, it packs down significantly. Remove ¾ of the spinach from your bag, and add to a pot of boiling water. After about 2 minutes of cooking, drain the leaves and stir into your pizza sauce. Add the remaining leaves to the top of your pizza with your other toppings and enjoy!
- Cook a stuffed chicken breast – Stuffed chicken breasts only look fancy! Pound chicken breasts thin, then boil your entire bag of spinach until the leaves are cooked. Mix them in a bowl with your favorite cheese (we like low-fat mozzarella and low-fat ricotta), then scoop ¼ cup of the spinach mixture into each breast. Roll up the chicken and bake in the oven on 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until cooked through. One bag of spinach makes enough for 6 chicken breasts.
- Make a family-friendly stir fry – Spinach is an easy addition to any stir fry! Add your favorite colorful chopped veggies, like carrots, broccoli, green and red peppers and mushrooms to a large skillet. Cook with teriyaki or low-sodium soy sauce, until the veggies begin to soften and cook through. Add the entire bag of spinach last, and cook until it is wilted. Add whole grain rice, pasta, and/or your favorite low-fat meat for a filling family meal.
What is your favorite way to use spinach? Do you prefer raw or cooked?
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